Ignite your child’s passion in film this holiday
When it comes to film-making, she says the children do most of the work: writing scripts, editing, directing, camera work, acting, producing and designing costumes.
Grace villa girls MDD club with First daughter Natasha Karugire at one of the events. (Photo by Ritah Mukasa)
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It is holiday time, a period when children are supposed to be home, but at Grace Villa home in Kabale district, the compound is teeming with children of different age groups and classes, from kindergarten to university.
The home accommodates 200 children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Girls do chores, after which they engage in activities such as tailoring, sports and film, which has taken them places under their brand Grace Villa Wood.
At the home, the youngsters are honing their creativity in music, dance and drama. Besides, girls as young as 10 years have become fashion designers. The home teams have won many trophies in football, golf and tennis.
Ruth Kendegye Ndyabahika, the home’s founder, says the children also engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities, debates, mentorships, farming, weaving, baking and catering.
When it comes to film-making, she says the children do most of the work: writing scripts, editing, directing, camera work, acting, producing and designing costumes.
They have so far produced six films; five short ones and one of full length.
Ndyabahika, a child psychologist, says film is transforming the girls’ lives as international filmmakers have visited the home and hired some of the youngsters for roles.
In 2023, 24-year-old Desire Kirabo, an actress, visited the Netflix headquarters in Los Gatos, California, where she met the chief executive officer, Reed Hastings.
“We discussed my future in film, and my desire to see more movies from Grace Villa Wood showcased on Netflix,” she says.
James Bagyenzi, a filmmaker, implores parents to enrol children in film, saying it has immense opportunities.
“Just one film can employ hundreds of people: directors to actors, costume designers to runners who keep the wheels turning. Besides, film boosts confidence, enhances leadership, listening and decision-making skills.”
However, he urges parents to be cautious about safety.
“Ensure your child is in the right hands and keep a keen eye on them,” he says.
Away from Grace home, parents are planning different activities for their children.